Camellia Oil Found with Excessive Carcinogen Benzopyrene – TFDA Investigates Yuan-Chun Oil Factory: Products from Chinese Tea Seeds Pass Inspection, But Concerns Raised Over Taiwan Small-Farm Sourced Goods

Multiple domestic camellia oil products have tested positive for excessive levels of benzopyrene, a Group 1 carcinogen, with many traced back to production or contract manufacturing by Yuan-Chun Oil Factory in Chiayi. On the afternoon of April 4, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), together with the Chiayi County Health Bureau, conducted an on-site inspection at Yuan-Chun Oil Factory. One batch of camellia oil produced in-house using tea seeds imported from China was sampled and tested, with results showing benzopyrene levels within acceptable limits—deemed compliant.

However, for products co-manufactured for brands such as Evergreen (YFY) and International Foods, the raw tea seeds were reportedly sourced from local Taiwanese small farmers. Although purchase invoices exist, health authorities still harbor doubts about the actual origins, and the case has been referred to judicial investigators.

Wei Jen-Ting, Director of TFDA’s Southern Regional Office, stated that immediately after the incident, TFDA conducted on-site checks late at night and the following day, collecting one sample of in-house-produced camellia oil made from imported Chinese tea seeds. Laboratory analysis confirmed benzopyrene compliance.

Despite claims by Yuan-Chun Oil Factory of using different sources of tea seeds—including Taiwanese small farms for contract work—the TFDA remains skeptical about the authenticity of the declared origins, prompting referral to prosecutors for further investigation.

More non-compliant camellia oil cases continue to emerge across Taiwan, including at Yuan-Fa Oil Processing Plant in Chiayi City, Jinpinfang Food Co., Ltd. in Taichung City, and Nong-Qi-Shi Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in New Taipei City.

Wei emphasized that TFDA will soon expand its second-half inspection efforts, launching a continuous audit program targeting domestic edible oil manufacturers—including salad oil and camellia oil producers. The TFDA’s Food Division will lead comprehensive planning, conducting individual audits based on recent violations and guiding manufacturers to improve their production processes.

Additional exclusive reports from Feng Media: · Camellia Oil Also Affected! Companies Report Benzopyrene Over-Limit – 939 Cans Distributed; Refund and Exchange Info Here · Toxic Oil Scandal Widens! Benzopyrene Detected in Camellia Oil – TFDA Plans Edible Oil Inspection Project for Second Half · Another Camellia Oil Case Emerges! Evergreen Biotech Finds Benzopyrene Exceedance in Internal Testing – Sold Through These Channels